Crieff Primary School shine at Burns Assembly

Feb 5 2010 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

FORMER Strathearn Herald chief reporter Caroline Boxer was invited to judge Crieff Primary School’s recitation competition last week and kindly picked up her recently retired notebook and pen to record the eventful day.

I WAS delighted last week to be invited back to Crieff Primary as one of the five judges who have the difficult but enjoyable task of choosing the top orator in the Commissioner Street school's now famous Burns Assembly.

And of course I could not refuse an opportunity to write about the talented youngsters in this week's Strathearn Herald (I may have left but they'll not get rid of me that easily!).

This year's event saw 10 pupils from P3 to P7 stand up in front of their classmates (and the panel judges, including myself, Mrs Diamond, Rev. MacDonald, Mrs McBain and Mrs MacKenzie) to perform their chosen poem.

I am always overwhelmed by the talent of the pupils who have been voted top of the class for their flawless recitation of a Scottish poem. Their confidence and oratory skills always match those of adults and often surpass in terms of their obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm for the works which they recite.

However, before the competition could begin Mrs Robb, ably assisted by Mrs Diamond, presented the ream of Burns Federation Certificates to the many pupils who had taken part in a variety of activities to celebrate the national bard. Awards were given to pupils for singing or playing Burns' songs, art work, recitation and project work (of which there were many examples decorating the walls of the hall).

With the last few certificates distributed a hushed silence fell on the packed hall as those gathered waited in anticipation for the first finalist to take to the stage. The difficult job of starting off proceedings was given to P7 Hannah Graham who gave a very solid performance of "To a Louse", which was much appreciated by all.

Next up were Levi Sweeney (P4) with "Ma Bantie Hen", Stuart Smith (P7) "Tam O'Shanter", Nicole Gallagher (P5) "The Kirk Moose" and Charlie Ann Bartlett (P3) "Pandapops".

It was then time for a break and performances from some of the young musicians, singers and dancers before the recitations began again.

First on the podium after the interval was Fiona Williamson (P4) with "Circus", followed by Lewis Forsyth (P6) "Address to a Haggis", Hannah Ingram (P3) "Hippopotamus", Heather Williamson (P7) "Address to Toothache" and Rhianna Bardsley (P5) "The Coming of the Wee Malkies.

To the sound of even more musical entertainment, the judges then had the difficult task of deciding on a winner, and after a quick discussion in the library a unanimous decision was made.

Mrs Diamond, accompanied by Rev. MacDonald stood up to announce that the 2010 winner of the Crieff Primary School Burns' Quaich was Stuart Smith, a very popular choice if the wave of applause which thundered through the hall had anything to go by.

And not to be left out, each of the finalists were also presented with book tokens in recognition of their achievements. The very uplifting and happy assembly was brought to a fitting end with a hearty rendition of Auld Lang Syne, led by pupil Ronan Russell on the pipes.